Build a Busy Town Cut and Stick Activity

How can I use this blank town map template?

Whether you're learning about maps, towns or even directions, this blank town map template is perfect for helping children aged 3 to 7 build their very own busy towns.

Available to print on two A4 sheets or one larger A3 sheet, children can work individually or in small groups to create a fully functioning town, complete with traffic lights, signs, transport and people thanks to the road furniture cards included.

You could even laminate your blank town map template and cards to transform a cut-and-stick activity into a hard-wearing and re-usable teaching resource that can withstand sticky fingers.

Putting a little sticky tack on the back of each card will also help children with their problem-solving skills as they move the cards around and work out the best way to organise their town.

Once finished, you could even use your towns to practise following directions.

More ideas for learning about towns

Learning about towns gives children a greater awareness of the world around them. For more ideas on how you can teach about towns, take a look at the suggestions below.

This Design a Town Map is ideal if you want children to start from scratch. Featuring a grid and a key with places to include, this task allows children to get really creative with their urban planning.

For a town-themed speaking and listening activity, this Town Barrier Game helps younger children practise their descriptive language and asking questions. Simply print for an activity that's ready to go in a few clicks.

To get children thinking about where they live, you could also try out this My Town is Special Worksheet. In this activity, children can draw a picture of the places that mean something to them. Or get your children to explore their town and tick off features with this places worksheet.

Take a look at our Street Outside Background Colouring Page for an interactive resource.

All of these resources are ready to go and can be added to your lesson plan in just a few clicks. Simply download, print and copy to prepare your next lesson in minutes. There's no shortage of Knowledge and Understanding of the World Activities for Early Years!

Or for more ESL resources, check out this page with brilliant activities for your directions English lessons.

Why learn about places in towns?

Learning about places in towns helps children to feel a sense of belonging in their community, especially if their family is new to town. As they get older, it can also help with place awareness which involves building their confidence for when they're out and about and also making them more cautious.

At an early age, learning about towns can also help with language skills. Doing everyday activities such as going to the supermarket, school or the library is a good to way develop buildings vocabulary and learn about the uses of all these buildings.

Buildings vocabulary that you can use with your children while you're out and about includes:

• Post office
• Bank
• School
• Hospital
• Fire station
• Museum
• Library
• Church/mosque/synagogue/temple
• Bus/train station